Alternative funding provider Reward Finance has appointed two finance professionals to its Manchester office.

Clive Briggs joins the company as North West business development director, having spent more than 30 years in the finance arena covering a range of disciplines including commercial banking and invoice finance. During his career he has worked with IGF, RBS, Aldermore and held the position of corporate finance director at Armstrong Watson.

In addition to introducing his extensive network of introducers and professional contacts to the company, he will also help the team raise the profile of Reward Finance and grow the business in the North West.

Joining the company as portfolio manager is Paula Jones, who will be responsible for delivering the finance needs to Reward’s clients, across a variety of sectors.

She joins from RBS corporate banking where she spent the last 20 years as relationship manager working closely with SMEs.

Briggs said: “I have known the directors at Reward Finance for many years and I have always admired their ‘can do’ attitude and flexibility when it comes to helping SMEs grow their companies.

“The advantage they have over other lenders is they don’t make SMEs ‘jump through hoops’ before giving them an answer. Instead they quickly get a grasp of the situation and provide the company with a quick decision.

“It really is a refreshing approach and I am looking forward to introducing Reward to my network within the financial sector.”

Group sales and marketing director, Nick Smith, is delighted to have attracted two very experienced people to the team.

“The fact that Clive and Paula have joined our rapidly expanding team sends out a clear message that we mean business in the North West,” he said.

“SMEs are finding it increasingly frustrating when it comes to obtaining finance for their growing businesses. With the team we are building in our Manchester office we can continue to meet the growing demand for a variety of finance options.”